Hans Peter 'Pete' Hansen

Hans Peter 'Pete' Hansen, 82, of Valley City, Ohio, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Pete battled his disease with strength, grace, and humor… never complaining and always living each day to the fullest. He was born August 23, 1942, in West Newton, Massachusetts, to the late Richard and Marlowe (Sebert) Hansen. He graduated high school from Lenox School for Boys, an Episcopal boarding school in Lennox, Massachusetts and went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with his bachelor's degree. His first marriage in 1964 was to Pam Miller and together they had two children. Pete and Pam raised them in Pittsburgh where Pete was a proud owner of both Pittsburgh Steeler season tickets and an original 'Terrible Towel'. Pete moved to Northeast Ohio, met and married his second wife, Frances 'Fran' Witty in 1983, becoming a co-caretaker of various horses, cats, and large dogs. Pete worked as a Life & Health agent with State Mutual where he earned his CLU designation. He then went on to work for Transamerica Occidental and then made the shift into working for agencies Insurance Management Services in Cleveland and Hunter Insurance of Medina. (Now Bickle Insurance Services) He finally retired in 2016. Pete was an avid golfer and proud member of the 'Bottom Feeders' at Westfield Country Club. His proud moment was his Hole in one at Twinsburg Country Club. After meeting Fran he took up the sport of Carriage Driving, winning many awards for driving, turnout, and obstacle driving. Pete was an active member of the Carriage Association of America. He also was an active volunteer with several Medina Nonprofits including Project Learn, Hospice of Medina, and the noon Kiwanis. Pete was well known for his great sense of humor and short entertaining speeches. He was an '8 o'clocker' at St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Medina until Parkinson's took its toll on him. Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Fran (Witty) Hansen; his former wife, Pam (Miller) Blemaster; his loving children, Paige (Joe) Shankar and Christopher 'Toby' (fiancé, Maggie Tomaro) Hansen; his five precious grandchildren, Eric, Emily, and Luke Hansen, and Leela and Kethaki Shankar; along with a lifetime of dear friends and colleagues. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon in Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina, Ohio. A Celebration of Pete's Life will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pete's memory may be directed to Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.waitefuneralhome.com